An abnormal gait can cause numerous problems throughout the body and can be caused by many different conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to be evaluated so you can determine if one of these types of abnormal gait is causing underlying problems. The five main categories of abnormal gait are spastic gait, scissors gait, steppage gait, wadding gait, and propulsive gait. These can all be caused by one or more of the following symptoms :

• Foot or leg injury
• Arthritis
• infections of the soft tissue in the legs
• Congenital disabilities
• Broken bones of the feet

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain there is. This occurs when the ligament that connects the front of the foot to the heel becomes inflamed. This can be caused by an abnormal amount of stress being applied to this ligament. This condition can be excruciating and can affect your daily activities. Here are some symptoms you may experiencing if you have plantar fasciitis :

• Pain near the heel of your foot
• Pain when trying to walk after a long period of rest
• Greater pain after exercising

Flat feet are relatively common in the general population. It occurs when the arch of the foot either falls or just never developed. Most of the time, this condition doesn’t require treatment; if it becomes painful or causes other problems, minimal physical therapy is required. Here are symptoms that can let you know that you should be evaluated:

• Pain in the foot or inside of the ankle
• Stiffness in one or both feet
• Uneven shoe wear

Peroneal tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the peroneal tendons (the tendons that run on the outside of the ankle and up the leg) become irritated. These tendons can become inflamed when there is a sudden increase in activity or training, have improper footwear, or if you are an avid runner. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing peroneal tendonitis :

• Pain and/or swelling in the back of the ankle
• Instability in the
• Pain during an activity that subsides when the activity stops
• Pain when moving foot side to side

Hallux rigidus is when it becomes painful or even difficult to move the big toeas this is a degenerative condition, it will eventually become impossible to move. Hallux rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis that is normally caused by an abnormal structure. Symptoms to look for include :

• An inflamed joint in the toe
• Pain in the big toe during use
• Pain that becomes worse with weather changes

Just like any tendonitis, Achilles tendinitis is when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. In the Achilles tendon, this can have a large impact on pretty much anything that involves walking, running, or climbing. There are two types of Achilles Tendinitis: non insertional and insertional. This indicates what part of the Achilles tendon is affected, the middle portion or where the tendon attaches to the heel. Here are some symptoms you may be experiencing if you suffer from this condition :

• Swelling and pain in the heel of your foot
• Sore calf muscles
• The skin on the heel is warm or feverish
• Limited range of motion

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition that usually affects the third and fourth toe. This usually results from running or wearing high heels or anytime the toes are have been compressed or irritated. When the tissues surrounding a nerve that leads up to the toe become inflamed and thickens, therefore causing pain, symptoms can include :

• The feeling of having a pebble or bunched up sock
• Tingling or numbness in the toes
• Difficulty walking due to the pain

Toe or foot fracture can be when damage to the toe or the front of the foot is caused by either kicking, dropping something on your foot, or other trauma involving the front of your foot. Two types of fracture can occur from this condition: non-displaced is where the bone is fractured, but the ends are still together; displaced is when the bone is broken, and the ends are separated. Here are some symptoms to be on the lookout for is you feel you have a toe or foot fracture :

• Pain in the affected area
• Pain that gets worse with activity
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Swelling/Bruising

Arthritis, in general, is the inflammation of joints and can come in mild or severe cases. This inflammation can cause pain and swelling in and around the affected joints. The different causes of arthritis can affect the foot and ankle. These can include Osteoarthritis, obesity, genetics, and old foot injuries. This condition can present itself with one or more of the following symptoms :

• Reduced mobility
• Pain and swelling
• Stiffness and/or swelling